With spring in the air and summer around the corner, now is the time to try something different. From hiking in the hills to wild camping and seeing sharks, here are some exciting ways to expand your horizons in the year ahead.
Best outdoor adventures
Set yourself a challenge
Having goals are a worthy pursuit but can often fail due to a lack of focus (‘get fitter’ being a prominent example). So how about combining your love of the countryside with a specific fitness-building goal, no matter the distance or elevation?
Perhaps (re)learning how to ride a horse or swimming 100 metres non-stop in your local lido. Or kayaking to a nearby coastal island, canoeing the length of a river or finally climbing that local hill you said you’d do in 1997.
Whatever you do, make it fun, share your goal to make yourself accountable and get as many friends and family involved as possible. We’ll see you at the top of Kinder Scout…
Go-off grid
Off-grid sleepovers in splendid isolation allow you to disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with nature. Treehouses, cabins, shepherds’ huts and mountain bothies are found in soul-restoring locations, often without the internet or a phone signal. It’s a great way to detox.
Some places offer plumbing, lighting and heating, courtesy of solar panels. Others are hardcore: you eat by candlelight (torchlight or oil lamp) and bring your own camping stove to cook on. The best locations take some effort to reach, but it’s worth it.
Build a garden
Countryfile launched Plant Britain in 2020 to promote community gardens and wildflower planting in an effort to help combat climate change, aid wildlife and pollinators, while boosting our wellbeing. Four years on, nearly 2,000,000 plantings have taken place. The scheme has ended but the benefits of community gardens still shine, from growing urban herb gardens to planting wildflower meadows and adding planters to shared balconies.
Engage with nature
There’s no better way to engage with nature than to volunteer with a citizen science project. Gather information on pollinating insects, bees, butterflies and moths with the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (PoMS). Simply download the app and find your patch. Monitoring wildlife ensures you focus on the present moment, making it the perfect mindfulness exercise.
Through the Wildlife Trusts, you can find a project close to you, whether that’s researching on the intertidal shores of the Solent, reptile reporting in Cheshire or hedgehog hunting in Cumbria. Search your location on their website to find local opportunities.
You can take part in the world’s largest garden wildlife survey from home; the RSPB’s annual Big Garden Birdwatch is back on 24–26 January.
Do you love walking in forests? Help the Woodland Trust map its Ancient Tree Inventory by recording the girth, species and location of a veteran near you. Or, if you live near the coast, take part in a beach clean with the Marine Conservation Society. With the wind in your face as you chat with other litter-pickers, you’ll feel the health benefits. The National Trust also has volunteering opportunities on conservation projects in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Working in the outdoors while forging new friendships is invaluable in our fast-paced world.
Pick grapes
If you’ve ever gazed over rows of vines imagining yourself as a vintner toasting another successful harvest, why not try a taster of the lifestyle in the harvest month of October? Over 100 UK vineyards welcome volunteer pickers, and many offer a sample of the end product, too. Go to Wine Cellar Door to find a list of vineyards looking for harvest help.
Spot marine life
Watching a pod of dolphins slicing gracefully through the sea is a delight. Britain’s bottlenose dolphins are found in estuaries, bays and harbours. In Cardigan Bay in Wales and Scotland’s Moray Firth, large populations of dolphins may be spotted close to the shore. There’s a particularly good chance of seeing them in the Firth from the narrow peninsula at Chanonry Point. Smaller common dolphins can also be spotted from our shores; they sometimes ride the bow waves of boats, showing off their energetic acrobatic displays. Head to the Isle of Man for a chance to see both dolphin species.
- Guide to Britain's dolphins, porpoise and whales: how to identify and best places to to see
- Britain's best seal watching spots and how to avoid disturbing the colony
The best chance of spotting basking sharks is in the Hebrides, off the north-west coast of Scotland, or around Devon and Cornwall between May and October as they bask in the sun or feed on plankton.
In the summer, humpback whales migrate from Africa to Shetland. Minke whales are also seen in Scottish waters in warmer months. But seeing one of these impressive sea mammals is down to good luck and a large dose of patience.
As these giants of the marine world become increasingly endangered, do your part by volunteering with Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC). It’s possible to get involved with education work at WDC wherever you live. At the Scottish Dolphin Centre, Spey Bay, you can become a short-term residential volunteer, giving guided tours and talks.
If you encounter a beached whale or dolphin, call the British Divers Marine Life Rescue straight away on 01825 765546.
Become a farmer
Become part of the WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) community, either as a host or participant. This initiative, in the UK and 130 countries worldwide, links visitors with organic farmers to promote both educational and cultural exchanges of ecological farming practices. Food and board are provided in exchange for your participation in the farming activities of your hosts. Children are also welcome in some projects.
Sit down
The TikTok-savvy among you may have noticed the ‘sport’ of ‘raw-dogging’, which finds the protagonist doing little but stare at the in-flight map on a plane. Yet there’s a rural equivalent, detailed in Simon Barnes’ Rewild Yourself, where you find a spot in a field, woods or park, sit down and… do nothing. Once you overcome the urge to check your messages, talk or fidget, nature will come to you. Next stop? Extreme sitting competitions (yes, these are real).
See an osprey
Witnessing an osprey hunt for fish is an unforgettable sight. But where’s best to catch them in full flight?
No RSPB reserve is more synonymous with a single type of bird than Loch Garten in the Cairngorms. Ospreys can also be seen at the Loch of the Lowes in Perthshire, Leighton Moss in Lancashire, Cors Dyfi in Powys, Manton Bay in Rutland, and RSPB Arne in Dorset.
Walk at night
Night walks don’t just open up a world of stars while our planet is under a mantle of darkness; when vision is obscured our other senses gain precedence. We become more attuned to the sounds around us: the crunch of leaves underfoot or the babble of a stream. Deer come out to drink at ponds. Badgers emerge from their setts. Bats flitter overhead. It’s a magical experience, but be sure to stay safe.
Wild camp
Treehouses and bothies offer an enthralling escape into the wilderness, but the ultimate off-grid stay is wild camping. It’s legal in the wilds of Scotland and permitted on Dartmoor (you’ll need permission from the landowner in England, Northern Ireland and Wales). Breathe in the scent of moorland, listen to the roar of a stag or watch the stars. Look for a flat, dry and sheltered spot, and leave no trace.
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Overcome a fear
Fearing crossing a bridge? You’re not the only one; acrophobia, or the fear of heights, came in as the number one phobia in a 2023 YouGov survey with 23% of participants saying it affects them. Around 21% reported that they feared spiders (arachnophobia). Even clowns scared 3% – but why?
The main reason we have such extreme reactions is down to survival. If, for instance, in times gone by you didn’t fear a venomous spider, you’d allow it to crawl all over you before it became hungry and sunk its teeth in. Death would await. Fear the spider and your breathing and heart rate increases, your blood pumps your muscles with oxygen and off you scarper.
Our biological fears are rooted in the brain, involving the amygdala and the medial prefrontal cortex. When a threat is detected, the amygdala activates the ‘fight-or-flight’ response. You’re physically primed to react. But then your brain passes the information to the prefrontal cortex, which helps contextualise fear responses, allowing for more adaptive behaviours in response to threats. Like, for 97% of us, not running from Krusty the Clown.
But, how do you overcome a fear? One method is ‘exposure therapy’, where you face gradual and repeated exposure to the source of your fear and then, with the help of a professional, retrain your thoughts to manage this anxiety. For instance, if you fear being trapped in a lift, your therapy may progress from viewing pictures of lifts, to going near a lift, to stepping into a lift. Breathing exercises can also help you control your nervous system. So prime yourself by gazing at images of bridges and mountains – you’ll soon be calmly scaling those heights.
Go car-free
Being stuck in traffic is no fun for the motorist or the planet. A car-free holiday is the answer – pack light and let public transport take the strain. See the delights of Wales with the Explore Wales Pass. For £149 for an adult and £74.50 for a child (with other railcards reducing the cost further), you can enjoy unlimited travel on all Transport For Wales trains and selected bus routes for any four days in an eight-day period.
Up your adrenaline
I’m standing upon a jagged outcrop that dates back 370 million years to the fittingly-named Devonian Period. The Atlantic Ocean menacingly lies five metres beneath my feet. “Jump!” shouts Simon Hope of North Devon Coasteering. I oblige, leaping into the swell before a wave sweeps me into a gully where a set of natural rapids await.
This is my first attempt at coasteering for 20 years and I’m questioning what I’ve been doing in the interlude. Like an adrenaline-fuelled version of rock pooling, it’s exhilarating and educational, testing my physical and mental limits, while informing me about the history of Croyde’s coastline and the sea’s behaviour, and offering a humbling reminder of the power of the ocean. Yet I feel safe throughout, aided by Simon’s expertise and the instant sense of community developed by our small band of coasteerers. We exit invigorated after two hours in the ocean, its tunnels and outcrops, into the warm embrace of a pasty and cup of tea. Pure coastal bliss.
Coasteering is just one age-agnostic coastal activity that can be enjoyed no matter your skill level, with surfing (both stand-up and bodyboarding), kitesurfing, skimboarding and sea kayaking also in the mix. You’ll see the sea as you’ve never seen it before.
Find a source
Going back to where it begins to discover the source of a river can be a rich experience, especially when you compare that trickle, spring or stream beneath your feet to the great estuaries and channels that form down-river. It’s not always easy, however, and can involve some map-reading prowess. But, once you’ve ticked-off the Tay or Trent, you’ll soon be a river source-finding expert. Next stop, the Nile!
Delve into history
Getting your hands dirty on an archaeological dig excavating layers of history has always been alluring to those keen to learn more about the past. One of the best ways to get involved is to join your local branch of the Council for British Archaeology which organises digs across the country.
Mudlarking involves searching for historical treasures in the mud revealed by the receding waters of tidal rivers. The Thames has been a primary destination for mudlarks since the 18th century, but a licence from the Port of London Authority is required before you can search the foreshore. Fast-moving tides make it a hobby not without its dangers, but novices can gain safety tips on a guided walk organised by Thames Discovery Programme.
Many mudlarks use metal detectors. To unleash your inner Mackenzie Crook, though, you must abide by strict laws. Permission to detect is needed from the landowner, ideally in writing. Also, many parts of the landscape are out of bounds to detectorists, including Sites of Scientific Special Interest and scheduled historic monuments, such as stone circles, hillforts and castles. The National Council for Metal Detecting has further details.
Gaze at the stars
Scientists say this winter we’ll have reached ‘solar maximum’ – the peak of the sun’s 11-year solar cycle when visibility of the aurora borealis is at its height. The further north you travel, the better your chances of seeing the northern lights in the UK. The islands of Shetland, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides, plus Caithness and Cairngorms National Park on the mainland, are all good bets.
Winter is best for aurora spotting, when skies are darkest; the best time is around midnight. Use an app to find out where and when solar activity is optimal. Seeing the electric waves of yellow, blue, green, pink and mauve is a thrilling experience – even if it’s just through the lens of a camera.
Head to one of the UK's dark sky locations for stargazing walks – six of Britain’s national parks have been awarded International Dark Sky Reserve status.
Learn to read the sky map of our winter constellations including Orion (the hunter), Gemini, Perseus and Ursa Major (the big dipper). Track the moon as it waxes and wanes over a month of stargazing rambles and search for planets visible with the naked eye: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.
Be an extra
Imagine a sideline where you get to earn pocket money while spending time in the great outdoors plus the chance of rubbing shoulders with the stars. That’s what working as an extra on a TV production or film set can offer. One day you might re-enact an historic battle, the next you could be in a stately garden filming Bridgerton. No prior experience or formal training is needed. Simply have some photographs taken, sign up to an agency and look out for casting calls.
Go foraging
Whether it’s down to a yearning to connect with nature, eat more seasonal foods or just to save a bit of cash on wild garlic, foraging is a fun and exciting activity for all the family. If you’re wanting to forage now, the berries and nuts of autumn are long gone, but winter greens such as hairy bittercress, chickweed and nettles are widely available. As ever, take along a reliable ID guide, pick responsibly, take only what you need and never eat anything you’re unsure about.
- Monthly foraging guide: what's in season, where to find it, and how to forage responsibly
- Best edible weeds: 4 tasty wild plants that can grace your dining table - or picnic
Find a festival
Folk festivals and farming shows are true fixtures of Britain’s cultural calendar. Among the best are the Shetland Folk Festival (1–4 May), Cambridge Folk Festival (31 July–3 Aug) and Fairport’s Cropredy Convention in Oxfordshire (7–9 Aug). Top agricultural shows include the Great Yorkshire Show (8–11 July) and the Royal Welsh Show (21–24 July).
Try a journal
Nothing deepens your connection with the natural world quite like keeping a nature journal. Whether you write, draw, paint or collect leaves and flowers to stick to your pages, scientific studies show the act of slowing down, observing and recording your experiences of nature has profound wellbeing benefits. Try a journal with exercises and seasonal tips, such as Homecoming by Melissa Harrison (W&N, £20).
Learn a craft
Will this be the year you find your creative mojo? Whether you’re fascinated by basket weaving, want to try printmaking, adore carving wood, or are keen to make natural dyes, this is the time to work with your head, hands and heart to learn a new skill. Try an online course or, if you can, an in-person workshop.
Go to Find a Craft or Craft Courses to connect with craftspeople offering workshops near you.
Hire a boat
Taking a break on a canal boat allows you to visit the unhurried world Britain’s waterways offer. There’s a wide variety of routes on which to steer your hired vessel, from the straight lines of the British canal network to rivers or the Norfolk Broads.
No experience is required, nor is a driving licence. Full tuition will be given by the hire company, along with an overview of the rules. All aboard!
Take better photos of your dog
Photographing dogs is a rewarding experience, but it can also be tricky. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a pet lover looking to capture precious moments with your furry friend, getting the perfect shot requires patience, skill and a few handy techniques. Here's how to take better photographs of your dog
Learn a native language
At least 10 native languages are spoken in Britain. Among them are sign languages, traveller tongues including Angloromani and Shelta, and Scots and its derivatives such as Doric, which is related to Friesian and Norwegian and spoken in Aberdeenshire. Others are the legacy of Celtic-language- speaking peoples who were divided when Anglo-Saxons colonised the land that became known as England.
Main image: summit of Ben A'an in the Scottihs Highlands/Credit: Getty
